Audiovent

Infobox musical artist
Name = Audiovent


Img_capt =
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Background = group_or_band
Alias =
Origin = Flagicon|USA Calabasas, California, USA
Genre = Post-hardcore, alternative rock
Years_active = 1993 - 2004
Label = Atlantic
Associated_acts = Agent Sparks
Reel Big Fish
Under the Influence of Giants
URL =
Current_members =
Past_members = Jason Boyd
Benjamin Einziger
Paul Fried
Jamin Wilcox
Ryland Steen

Audiovent was an American alternative rock band from Calabasas, California. Audiovent was formed in the early 1990s under the name Vent, and broke up in 2004.

History

Audiovent was originally formed by Jason Boyd, Paul Fried, and Benjamin Einziger under the name Vent. Boyd and Fried met while attending A.E. Wright Middle School in Calabasas.cite web
title = AUDIOVENT BIOGRAPHY
url = http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Audiovent-Biography/EAD31F68D3A2345148256BD100153AB1
accessdate = 2007-07-31
date = 2007
publisher = sing365.com] After Fried introduced Boyd to his stepbrother Einziger, the three decided to form a band. When Fried was in tenth grade Jamin Wilcox joined Vent. Throughout their high school years, Vent played gigs around Calabasas and eventually played as far as Hollywood.

"Papa's Dojo"

In 1999, the band independently recorded and released their first CD, "Papa's Dojo", under the name Vent. "Papa's Dojo" sold more than 3,000 copies and was only available online and at local gigs.

"Dirty Sexy Knights in Paris"

After "Papa's Dojo", the band decided to undergo a few sessions of preventative group therapy to try to dispel any conflicts before they started. Boyd said about the sessions, "We don't want any kind of turmoil in our band. We don't want any egos getting in the way, or anything else that can cause a problem. We'd just rather not go there."

In 2001, the band renamed themselves Audiovent, signed with the major label Atlantic Records. Audiovent then began recording their first major label album, "Dirty Sexy Knights in Paris", which was released in 2002. The first single released off of the album was entitled "The Energy" and received significant national airplay both on the radio and as a music video. However, since the group had strong ties to the band Incubus, charges of nepotism plagued the group.

"Dirty Sexy Knights in Paris" received average reviews from the press, with many labeling it too slick and over-produced, especially compared to the band's raw live sound. It peaked at 156 on the Billboard 200 in 2002.cite web
title = Audiovent
url = http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Albums&model.vnuArtistId=486086&model.vnuAlbumId=535481
accessdate = 2007-08-01
date = 2007
publisher = Nielsen Business Media] A second single, "Looking Down" was released with a video as well but it had little success. In late 2002, Audiovent toured with Saliva and Theory of a Deadman.cite web
title = Theory Of A Deadman, Saliva, Audiovent To Tour
url = http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1740935
accessdate = 2007-08-01
date = 2002-10-11
publisher = Nielsen Business Media]

Breakup

In 2003, Jamin left the band citing creative differences and was replaced by Ryland Steen. In early 2004, the band was largely dormant, suggesting a breakup. The band did re-convene for a time, playing a bunch of small clubs around California under the name Nigel, suggesting they were having label problems with Atlantic. The new tracks were very different from the sound of their first album. Later in 2004 the band finally split, citing "creative differences," although it is largely believed they would have been dropped from Atlantic anyway for poor sales performance.

Benjamin Einziger and Paul Fried moved on to start another band named Agent Sparks. They have released an EP entitled "Not So Merry" and a full length album called "Red Rover".

Jamin Wilcox joined Aaron Bruno and Drew Stewart of Home Town Hero to form Under the Influence of Giants. They have since recruited bassist David Amezcua, signed to Island Records, and released the their self-titled debut album.

Jason Boyd is currently pursuing a career in acting.

Ties to Incubus

Three out of four of the original members of Audiovent are related to members of the band Incubus. Jason Boyd is the brother of vocalist Brandon Boyd. Benjamin Einziger is brother of guitarist Mike Einziger, and Paul Fried is their stepbrother.cite web
title = Agent Sparks
url = http://www.decoymusic.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5310
accessdate = 2007-08-01
date = 2005-11-11
publisher = Decoymusic.com]

Members

*Jason Boyd - Lead vocals (1993-2004)
*Benjamin Einziger - Guitar, vocals (1993-2004)
*Paul Fried - Bass (1993-2004)
*Jamin Wilcox - Drums, vocals (1993-2003)
*Ryland Steen - Drums (2003-2004)

Discography

Albums

* "Dirty Sexy Knights in Paris" (2002)

EPs

* "Papa's Dojo" (1999)

ingles

References